Food photography can be a great way to have fun in the kitchen, and accomplished just by using your camera and lens. Here are some quick and easy tips to capture the "yum" of what you're whipping up today!

Use Window Light

The larger your light source, the softer and more diffused your lighting will show up in your photo. Also, try to match your White Balance to what type of light is coming from outside: sunny, cloudy, etc.

Bowl of Strawberries
PEN-F | M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.8
1/125s | F1.8 | ISO 800
Close Up of Strawberry
OM-D E-M1X | M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro
1/25s | F3.5 | ISO 800

Use a wider aperture like F1.8 or F2 to achieve a shallow depth of field, where you have one subject crisp and in focus and the background blurred.

Use the “Rule of Odds"

In any kind of design, an odd number is more aesthetically pleasing to the human eye.

Pro Tip: Handheld High Res Shot Mode works GREAT on capturing the detailed strawberries and other produce.

Close Up of Strawberries
OM-D E-M1X | M.Zuiko Digital ED 30mm F3.5 Macro
1/25s | F3.5 | ISO 800
Honey
PEN-F | M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.8
1/100s | F1.8 | ISO 800

Have Fun!

  • Utilize contrasting textures to create interest
  • Play with angles, and the Rule of Thirds
  • Create your own pattern, and consider using light-hearted elements — like carved cutting boards, patterned plates or dish towels — for a personal touch
Strawberries
PEN-F | M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.8
1/125s | F1.8 | ISO 800
Lettuce
PEN-F | M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.8
1/160s | F1.8 | ISO 800
  • Create your own leading lines to lead the viewer’s eye through the image
Strawberry Salad
PEN-F | M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.8
1/60s | F1.8 | ISO 800
  • When editing, try lightening your shadows, but deepening your blacks. It adds contrast while still lighting up parts that you need lighter. Also, if you want colors to pop, try adding vibrance as opposed to saturation, as it adds more natural looking colors.
  • Pro Tip: Try using reflective glassware or metal elements. 
  • Lastly, try capturing an action shot to add some excitement
Strawberry Salad
PEN-F | M.Zuiko Digital ED 45mm F1.8
1/200s | F1.8 | ISO 800

Shelley Preston is an Olympus Technical Sales Executive from Texas, currently residing in Chicago. Her favorite camera and lens to shoot with are the PEN-F and M.Zuiko Digital ED 17mm F1.8, which she uses to capture street and travel photography. Shelley also enjoys capturing the world around her in black and white.

7 Things to Know About Photographing Food

Get started with food photography with these tips.

Olympus Team
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